Featured Advertisers

MYVEGAS EXPOS

Marsy's Law: Measure on 2018 Ballot

Published on: 02/20/2018) In:

Marsy’s Law: Measure on 2018 Ballot

In 1983, the life of Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas tragically came to an end. Just one week after Marsy’s death, the man accused of the murder ambushed Marsy’s mother, Marcella Leach, and her brother, Dr. Henry Nicholas, at a grocery store. The family was not aware the man was released on bail.

Understanding the pain victims endure, Dr. Nicholas set out to advocate for a law which would provide rights to victims of violent crimes who had none – whereas the accused have more than 20.

This law is known as “Marsy’s Law.” The official website marsyslaw.us shows a black and white photo of a smiling Marsy with her family. Covered by a graduation cap is Marsy’s pretty, flowing hair.

The law has passed in California, Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota and Ohio. Advocates for Marsy’s Law are now hoping to get the law passed in Nevada come 2018. Many have been hard at work spreading the word to educate Nevada residents on the history of the law and why it matters to them. These advocates hope to gain their vote when the time comes for the final approval.

The road to getting the measure on the ballot has been a long one. In press release after press release, Marsy Law advocates proudly announced endorsements from Las Vegas City Council members Michele Fiore and Bob Coffin, and Henderson City Council members John Marz and Dan Shaw.

In a press release issued in October (Domestic Violence Awareness Month), Marsy’s Law advocates gave a well-deserved thank you and public recognition to Nevada organizations working toward ending domestic violence. It makes sense, after all, that advocates for Marsy’s Law would extend a special thank you, as the essence of the law they’re advocating for is to give rights to victims of violent crimes.

Also, in an effort to bring awareness and provide valuable information, Marsy’s Law advocates want people to know that domestic violence affects everyone. They’ve asked Nevada citizens to be aware of the warning signs of domestic abuse.

According to the advocates’ press release, victims of domestic abuse suffer from low self-esteem, eating disorders and many other issues. But abuse survivors are not alone: there are over 20 agencies in counties across the state that provide support to domestic abuse victims.

Now that the law is part of the 2018 ballot, the final approval will rest in Nevada resident voter’s hands.

Marsy’s Law advocates say in the press release, “Just as the accused have important protected rights, the victims deserve a protected voice.”

If approved, the law would grant, “the right to receive information about the services available to crime victims; the right to be treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process; the right to be protected from the defendant; the right to notice of all public proceedings in the case; the right to be reasonably heard, upon request, at all public proceedings regarding the case; the right to reasonably confer with the prosecuting agency, upon request, regarding the case; the right to full and timely restitution.”